Gas smell and a possible leak?

2006 HONDA CRV
180,241 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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CG_LYNN
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Every time I drive my car it smells like gas; I can’t tell if it comes from the front or the back. I smell it at both parts sometimes even inside the car. Also, my gas mileage has gotten really bad and might possibly be signs of a gas leak along the seal of the tank, but I am unsure, and I don’t know how to check.
I also smell burning oil from the engine compartment.
Sep 13, 2022 at 6:17 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

It sounds like you have two separate issues. Do me a favor. Allow the vehicle to sit overnight. In the morning, have a helper turn the key to the "run" position with the engine off. See if you see anything leaking under the vehicle. There could be a steel fuel line that has rusted.

Also, this will give you a chance to determine if the smell is from under the vehicle or under the hood.

If you suspect the fuel pump module at the top of the tank could be leaking, fold the rear seats forward and pull back the carpet. Under the carpet, you'll find a port for the fuel pump. Remove the cover and inspect the fuel pump assembly for leaks. See pic 1 below.

If the smell seems to come from under the hood, do the same thing. With the engine cold, cycle the key to the run position and see if there is any evidence of a fuel leak at the fuel injectors, fuel rail, or the fuel supply line. The only issue with this is the idea that the upper intake needs to be removed to access the injectors. But you should be able to tell if there is one. Pay attention to the supply line and keep in mind there are rubber O-rings at both the bottom and top of the injector that can fail. (See pic 2)

Let me know what you find or if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Sep 13, 2022 at 9:41 PM
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CG_LYNN
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Forgive me for my stupidity but how will I know if there is a leak that isn’t gas, kind of like a vapor?
Sep 14, 2022 at 12:44 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

If it is a vapor leak, there are two ways to locate it. One is with your nose. LOL You need to try and trace where it's coming from. Second, if there is a vapor leak, it should have turned on the check engine light indicating an EVAP leak.

In this case, you should have the EVAP system smoke tested. This is done by injecting smoke into the system at a very low pressure. If there is a leak, the smoke will leak from the location with the issue, and you'll be able to see it.

I attached a pic below of the EVAP system, so you have a reference. The hoses run between the fuel tank and engine compartment.

Let me know if I can help.

Joe

See pic below.

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Sep 14, 2022 at 6:22 PM